“The first thing now to be done at Premontre was to make provision for the new disciples. Under Norbert’s direction they began immediately to build more huts and tents of wood and clay, and Premontre took on the aspect of a busy camp. All were diligently engaged in building, and the huts were arranged around the little chapel of St. John. At this time there were over forty religious studying for the holy priesthood, besides lay-brothers, whose number is unknown…yet for their number, it became evident that a fixed rule of life was indispensable. Still, as heretofore mentioned, it was most difficult for Norbert to decide which rule to adopt…
One night while absorbed in prayer, St. Augustine appeared to Norbert in a vision and advised the Saint to adopt his Rule. Listen to Norbert himself relating this vision, some years later, to the brethren of Floreffe assembled in their chapter-room.
‘I know that St. Augustine has appeared to one of the brethren, who had been ordered to investigate with the greatest of care concerning his Rule; it was not on account of our brother’s own merits, but in answer to the prayers of all. St. Augustine took from his right side his Golden Rule, and handing it to the brother, said very distinctly: I am Augustine, Bishop of Hippo. Behold here the Rule which I have written; if your fellow-brethren, my sons, shall have observed it well, they shall stand without fear in the presence of Christ on the terrible day of the last Judgement.’
Norbert tried thus, no doubt through humility, to make his disciples believe that some other religious had had this vision. The brethren, however, understood at once that no other than himself was the privileged person. Thus the uncertainty of the brethren in regard to a fixed rule had finally come to an end. To the Rule of St. Augustine statutes were added for the regulation of their daily life. These of course were required, for the Rule of St. Augustine was only as a framework, and regulations regarding the special character and object of this Order in particular, had to be filled in to make the structure complete. They now had at least a constitution on which to base the laws and Premonstratensians as a second Founder, and held in great honor by them.”
(From History of St. Norbert by Kirkfleet, pages 101-104)
As mentioned by Fr. Kirkfleet, the Rule of Augustine was but a framework; it was to be filled in by other regulations but also by the lived experience of the community. One can only imagine the joy and excitement in that very early community as it saw the very foundations being put into place. As we honor Augustine, we have an opportunity to recapture that joy of the earliest Norbertines. This celebration (The Feast of St. Augustine) is a time to reflect upon our own early years, the reasons we sought membership in this community, the treasures we are and have received, the challenges that made us grow. No matter our age, our work is not over; our profession and commitment is life-long. On this occasion may we renew that initial joy, the eagerness to embrace the charism of Norbert and the way of life of Augustine and rise up to bring the Word and our work to all we meet.
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